Hometown Cherokee

The SEC Championship Game:  LSU Tigers vs. Tennessee Volunteers.  The oddsmakers still have LSU as a 7.5 point favorite on the eve of the big SEC Championship.  We believe the numbers are based primarily on the level of playmaker talent for LSU.  We do not see it that way.  Let us break it down:

1) Leadership.  Les Miles is wounded from last week's Arkansas game.  He is entertaining the idea of leaving to Coach at his alma mater, Michigan.  Distraction will get you killed.  His defensive coordinator Bo Pelini is a candidate for the Nebraska job.  More distraction.  Phillip Fulmer has been fighting for his job for four weeks in a row.  He is more hungry for this win to prove the skeptics wrong.  Advantage Tennessee.

2) Momentum.  Tennessee has won four SEC elimination games and perservered to win.  LSU is still believing they should have won the Arkansas game.  LSU might have peaked to early.  Advantage Tennessee.

3) Quarterbacks.  Erik Ainge steps up when he need too to win.  Matt Flynn has a shoulder injury which could alter the LSU passing game. 

4) Unity Factor.  Tennessee is playing for respect and to keep their Head Coach employed.  There is nothing like being hungry and focused to get a team unified.  LSU will probably lose their head coach.  A divided house will not stand.  When you know your leader is leaving; order can be compromised and divisions usually flare up.  Advantage Tennessee.

5)  Talent.  Most games are decided by playmakers.  LSU has plenty of NFL type talent and when they put their mind to anything, they can make it happen.  If there are trouble signs for LSU, it will show itself early in mistakes.  Tennessee has great talent as well.  Advantage LSU.

This game will be another great SEC game for 2007.

Jay Holgate

Jay Holgate is an analyst for SEC Sports Report.
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